Fluid process system selection

ABSTRACT

A selection system ( 100 ) that selects fluid process systems is comprised of an interface ( 101, 103 ) and a processing system ( 102 ). The processing system ( 102 ) directs the interface ( 101, 103 ) to transfer a first signal that indicates user prompts. The interface ( 101, 103 ) receives a second signal that indicates user inputs provided responsive to the user prompts. The user inputs indicate fluid process information. The processing system ( 102 ) processes the fluid process information to select a first one of the fluid process systems. The processing system ( 102 ) obtains first performance and specification information for the first one of the fluid process systems. The processing system ( 102 ) directs the interface ( 101, 103 ) to transfer a third signal that indicates the first performance and specification information for the first one of the fluid process systems.

RELATED CASES

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 60/361,767, filed on Mar. 1, 2002, entitled “Web SiteArchitecture For Product Selection And Customer Interface”, and that ishereby incorporated by reference into this patent application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention is related to the field of fluid process systems, and inparticular, to the selection of fluid process systems for a user.

2. Statement of the Problem

Fluid process systems are used by industry to process liquids, slurries,and gasses. Fluid process systems measure and control flow, pressure,temperature, density, level, valve position, and other parameters. Someexamples of fluid process systems include flow meters and controlvalves.

Fluid process systems are comprised of fluid process components. Someexamples of fluid process components include sensors, transmitters,actuators, and valves. For example, a flow meter is a fluid processsystem that is comprised of a sensor component and a transmittercomponent. Likewise, a control valve is a fluid process system that iscomprised of an actuator component and a valve component. Many otherfluid process systems and components are known.

Suppliers are introducing Internet web sites that allow users topurchase fluid process systems. To purchase a fluid process system fromthe web site, the user first selects the individual components thatcomprise the desired fluid process system. For example, the user mayselect a sensor component and a transmitter component that comprise aflow meter. Note that the user selects the fluid process system byselecting and combining individual fluid process components.Unfortunately, the user may combine fluid process components in anincompatible manner that leads to multiple selection iterations tocorrect the incompatibility. Overall, the current selection process canbe too frustrating and take too much time.

Fluid process components have their own performance and specificationinformation, such as model number, temperature rating, and size.Unfortunately, the user has to collate individual component informationto assess performance of the resulting fluid process system. Forexample, the user has to collate individual component information for asensor and a transmitter to assess the performance of a flow meter. Thiscomplex task is further compounded by the possible need to comparevarious systems that are suitable for the fluid process of interest. Theuser must then collate component information to the system level formultiple fluid process systems. Again, the current selection process canbe too frustrating and take too much time—especially for users that lacksufficient technical training.

SUMMARY OF THE SOLUTION

The invention helps solve the above problems with new technology toselect fluid process systems. Advantageously, the new technology doesnot force users to select each fluid process component in order toselect the fluid process system. Advantageously, the new technology doesnot force users to collate component information to assess system-levelperformance. Thus, the new technology can relieve the frustration ofusers who select fluid process systems and reduce the time required toselect fluid process systems. The new technology can also reduce thetechnical training that is required for users who select fluid processsystems.

Aspects of the invention include a method of operating a selectionsystem to select fluid process systems. The method comprises:transferring a first signal that indicates user prompts; receiving asecond signal that indicates user inputs provided responsive to the userprompts wherein the user inputs indicate fluid process information;processing the fluid process information to select a first one of thefluid process systems; obtaining the first performance and specificationinformation for the first one of the fluid process systems; andtransferring a third signal that indicates the first performance andspecification information for the first one of the fluid processsystems.

Aspects of the invention include processing the fluid processinformation to select a second one of the fluid process systems; andobtaining second performance and specification information for thesecond one of the fluid process systems, and wherein the third signalalso indicates the second performance and specification information forthe second one of the fluid process systems.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the third signal is configuredto direct a side-by-side display of the first performance andspecification information and the second performance and specificationinformation to provide a performance comparison between the first one ofthe fluid process systems and the second one of the fluid processsystems.

Aspects of the invention include receiving a fourth signal thatindicates a user request to configure the first one of the fluid processsystems; processing the user request and responsively transferring afifth signal indicating configuration parameter options for the firstone of the fluid process systems; and receiving a sixth signalindicating configuration parameter selections for the first one of thefluid process systems.

Aspects of the invention include processing the configuration parameterselections to determine incompatible ones of the configuration parameterselections for the first one of the fluid measurement systems; andtransferring a seventh signal indicating the incompatible ones of theconfiguration parameter selections for the first one of the fluidmeasurement systems.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the configuration parameteroptions include industry approvals and process connections.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the configuration parameteroptions include tag labels, measurement variables, and units of measurefor the measurement variables.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the fluid process informationindicates data for fluid, flow rate, pressure, and temperature.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the third signal is configuredto direct a side-by-side display of the first performance andspecification information and the data for fluid, flow rate, pressure,and temperature to provide a comparison between the first one of thefluid process systems and the data for fluid, flow rate, pressure, andtemperature.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the processing system isconfigured to determine a compatibility grade for the first one of thefluid process systems based on the data for fluid, flow rate, pressure,and temperature, and wherein the third signal also indicates thecompatibility grade.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the process informationindicates process fluid, maximum flow rate, maximum process pressure,and maximum temperature.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the process informationindicates measurement variables, measurement accuracy, and communicationprotocol.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the process informationindicates a first fluid process component and the selected one of thefluid process systems includes the first fluid process component and atleast a second fluid process component.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the first fluid processcomponent and the second fluid process component comprise a sensor and atransmitter.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the first fluid processcomponent and the second fluid process component comprises an actuatorand a valve.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the first performance andspecification information indicates a sensor model number and atransmitter model number.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the first performance andspecification information indicates a valve model number and an actuatormodel number.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the first performance andspecification information indicates a picture of the first one of thefluid process systems.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the selection system comprisesan Internet web site.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the selection system comprisesa user computer system.

Aspects of the invention include a selection system to select fluidprocess systems. The selection system comprises an interface and aprocessing system. The interface is configured to transfer a firstsignal that indicates user prompts, receive a second signal thatindicates user inputs provided responsive to the user prompts whereinthe user inputs indicate fluid process information, and transfer a thirdsignal that indicates first performance and specification informationfor a first one of the fluid process systems. The processing system isconfigured to direct the interface to transfer the first signal, processthe fluid process information to select the first one of the fluidprocess systems, obtain the first performance and specificationinformation for the first one of the fluid process systems, and directthe interface to transfer the third signal.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the processing system isconfigured to process the fluid process information to select a secondone of the fluid process systems, and obtain second performance andspecification information for the second one of the fluid processsystems, and wherein the third signal also indicates the secondperformance and specification information for the second one of thefluid process systems.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the third signal is configuredto direct a side-by-side display of the first performance andspecification information and the second performance and specificationinformation to provide a performance comparison between the first one ofthe fluid process systems and the second one of the fluid processsystems.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the interface is configured toreceive a fourth signal that indicates a user request to configure thefirst one of the fluid process systems, transfer a fifth signalindicating configuration parameter options for the first one of thefluid process systems, and receive a sixth signal indicatingconfiguration parameter selections for the first one of the fluidprocess systems; and the processing system is configured process theuser request to direct the interface to transfer the fifth signal.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the interface is configured totransfer a seventh signal indicating incompatible ones of theconfiguration parameter selections for the first one of the fluidmeasurement systems; and the processing system is configured process theconfiguration parameter selections to determine the incompatible ones ofthe configuration parameter selections for the first one of the fluidmeasurement systems and direct the interface to transfer the seventhsignal.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the configuration parameteroptions include industry approvals and process connections.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the configuration parameteroptions include tag labels, measurement variables, and units of measurefor the measurement variables.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the fluid process informationindicates data for fluid, flow rate, pressure, and temperature.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the third signal is configuredto direct a side-by-side display of the first performance andspecification information and the data for fluid, flow rate, pressure,and temperature to provide a comparison between the first one of thefluid process systems and the data for fluid, flow rate, pressure, andtemperature.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the processing system isconfigured to determine a compatibility grade for the first one of thefluid process systems based on the data for fluid, flow rate, pressure,and temperature, and wherein the third signal also indicates thecompatibility grade.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the process informationindicates process fluid, maximum flow rate, maximum process pressure,and maximum temperature.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the process informationindicates measurement variables, measurement accuracy, and communicationprotocol.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the process informationindicates a first fluid process component and the selected one of thefluid process systems includes the first fluid process component and atleast a second fluid process component.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the first fluid processcomponent and the second fluid process component comprise a sensor and atransmitter.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the first fluid processcomponent and the second fluid process component comprises an actuatorand a valve.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the first performance andspecification information indicates a sensor model number and atransmitter model number.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the first performance andspecification information indicates a valve model number and an actuatormodel number.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the first performance andspecification information indicates a picture of the first one of thefluid process systems.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the interface comprises a website Internet interface.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the interface comprises acomputer system user interface.

Aspects of the invention include a product for selecting fluid processsystems. The product comprises software and a storage system that storesthe software. The software is configured to direct a processing systemto direct an interface to transfer a first signal that indicates userprompts wherein the interface receives a second signal that indicatesuser inputs provided responsive to the user prompts wherein the userinputs indicate fluid process information, to direct the processingsystem to process the fluid process information to select a first one ofthe fluid process systems, obtain first performance and specificationinformation for the first one of the fluid process systems, and directthe interface to transfer a third signal that indicates firstperformance and specification information for a first one of the fluidprocess systems.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the software is configured todirect the processing system to process the fluid process information toselect a second one of the fluid process systems and obtain secondperformance and specification information for the second one of thefluid process systems, and wherein the third signal also indicates thesecond performance and specification information for the second one ofthe fluid process systems.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the third signal is configuredto direct a side-by-side display of the first performance andspecification information and the second performance and specificationinformation to provide a performance comparison between the first one ofthe fluid process systems and the second one of the fluid processsystems.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the interface receives a fourthsignal that indicates a user request to configure the first one of thefluid process systems, the software is configured to direct theprocessing systems to process the user request to direct the interfaceto transfer a fifth signal that indicates configuration parameteroptions for the first one of the fluid process systems, and theinterface receives a sixth signal indicating configuration parameterselections for the first one of the fluid process systems.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the software is configured todirect the processing system to process the configuration parameterselections to determine incompatible ones of the configuration parameterselections for the first one of the fluid measurement systems and directthe interface to transfer a seventh signal that indicates theincompatible ones of the configuration parameter selections for thefirst one of the fluid measurement systems.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the configuration parameteroptions include industry approvals and process connections.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the configuration parameteroptions include tag labels, measurement variables, and units of measurefor the measurement variables.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the fluid process informationindicates data for fluid, flow rate, pressure, and temperature.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the third signal is configuredto direct a side-by-side display of the first performance andspecification information and the data for fluid, flow rate, pressure,and temperature to provide a comparison between the first one of thefluid process systems and the data for fluid, flow rate, pressure, andtemperature.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the software is configured todirect the processing system to determine a compatibility grade for thefirst one of the fluid process systems based on the data for fluid, flowrate, pressure, and temperature, and wherein the third signal alsoindicates the compatibility grade.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the process informationindicates process fluid, maximum flow rate, maximum process pressure,and maximum temperature.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the process informationindicates measurement variables, measurement accuracy, and communicationprotocol.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the process informationindicates a first fluid process component and the selected one of thefluid process systems includes the first fluid process component and atleast a second fluid process component.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the first fluid processcomponent and the second fluid process component comprise a sensor and atransmitter.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the first fluid processcomponent and the second fluid process component comprises an actuatorand a valve.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the first performance andspecification information indicates a sensor model number and atransmitter model number.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the first performance andspecification information indicates a valve model number and an actuatormodel number.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the first performance andspecification information indicates a picture of the first one of thefluid process systems.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the interface comprises a website Internet interface.

Aspects of the invention include wherein the interface comprises acomputer system user interface.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a selection system configuration in an example of theinvention.

FIG. 2 illustrates selection system operation in an example of theinvention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a display of user prompts in an example of theinvention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a comparative display of process information,performance and specification information, and compatibility grades inan example of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a display of configuration parameter options in anexample of the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates selection system operation in an example of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-6 and the following description depict specific examples toteach those skilled in the art how to make and use the best mode of theinvention. For the purpose of teaching inventive principles, someconventional aspects have been simplified or omitted. Those skilled inthe art will appreciate variations from these examples that fall withinthe scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the features described below can be combined in various ways toform multiple variations of the invention. As a result, the invention isnot limited to the specific examples described below, but only by theclaims and their equivalents.

Selection System Configuration

FIG. 1 illustrates selection system configuration in an example of theinvention. Selection system 100 includes communication interface 101,processing system 102, and user interface 103. Processing system 102includes storage system 104. Storage system 104 stores software 105.Processing system 102 is linked to communication interface 101 and userinterface 103. Selection system 100 could be comprised of a programmedgeneral-purpose computer, although those skilled in the art willappreciate that programmable or special purpose circuitry and equipmentmay be used. Selection system 100 may use a client server architecturewhere operations are distributed among a server system and clientdevices that together comprise elements 101-105.

Communication interface 101 could comprise an Internet interface,network interface card, modem, communication port, or some othercommunication device. Communication interface 101 may be distributedamong multiple devices. Processing system 102 could comprise amicroprocessor, logic circuitry, or some other processing device.Processing system 102 may be distributed among multiple devices. Userinterface 103 could comprise a keyboard, mouse, voice recognitioninterface, microphone and speakers, graphical display, touch screen, orsome other type of user device. User interface 103 could be distributedamong multiple user devices. Storage system 104 could comprise a disk,tape, integrated circuit, server, or some other memory device. Storagesystem 104 may be distributed among multiple devices.

Processing system 102 retrieves and executes software 105 from storagesystem 104. Software 105 may comprise an operating system, utilities,drivers, networking software, and other software typically loaded onto ageneral-purpose computer. Software 105 could comprise an applicationprogram, firmware, programmed circuitry, or some other form ofmachine-readable processing instructions. When executed by processingsystem 102, software 105 directs processing system 102 to operate asdescribed herein.

In response to user inputs, selection system 100 selects fluid processsystems for the users. In some variations, the users access selectionsystem 100 through communication interface 101 over a communicationnetwork, such as the Internet or public telephone network. In othervariations, the users access selection system 100 directly through userinterface 103. Thus, selection system 100 could be a web site on theInternet or a stand-alone system. In the following discussion, the term“interface” refers to interface 101 and interface 103, and the term“signal” refers to the information exchanged between interface 101 and acommunication system and between interface 103 and a user.

Selection System Operation—Example #1

FIG. 2 illustrates selection system operation in an example of theinvention, and the reference numbers from FIG. 2 are indicatedparenthetically below. The processing system directs the interface totransfer a first signal indicating user prompts, and the interfacetransfers the first signal. The interface then receives a second signalthat indicates the user inputs provided responsive to the user prompts(201). FIG. 3 illustrates display 300 of user prompts in an example ofthe invention. The user may provide user inputs in response to the userprompts through check boxes, drop down menus, text boxes, or some otherform of user input. The user inputs indicate process information forfluid, flow rate, pressure, and temperature. The process information mayindicate the actual process fluid, maximum flow rate, maximum processpressure, maximum temperature, measurement variables, measurementaccuracy, communication protocol, or some other information regardingthe fluid process of interest.

The processing system then processes the received process information toselect a first fluid process system and a second fluid process system(202). Note that two fluid process systems are selected in this examplefor illustrative purposes, but the selection system may select only asingle fluid process system, or may select more than two fluid processsystems. To make the selections, the processing system accesses adatabase and algorithm that correlates each potential set of appropriateprocess information with the specific fluid process components thatcomprise the selected fluid process system. These correlations could beuser specific, so a specific user could select a pre-determined systemby providing the corresponding process information.

For example, the following process information could be specified in theuser inputs:

PRODUCT: FLOW METER

FLUID NAME: WATER

WETTED MATERIAL: 316L STAINLESS STEEL

MASS FLOW ACCURACY: 0.1-0.2

MAXIMUM PRESSURE LOSS: 0-5 PSI

TRANSMITTER FEATURES: ANALOG

MEASUREMENT VARIABLES: FLOW RATE

UNITS: BOTH US AND METRIC

This combination of process information could be pre-associated with twoflow meter systems through the database and algorithm. For example, thefirst flow meter system could be comprised of sensor component modelnumber CMF 200 and transmitter component model number 2700; and thesecond flow meter system could be comprised of sensor component modelnumber CMF 100 and transmitter component model number 2700.

After system selection, the processing system obtains performance andspecification information for the first and second fluid process systems(203). The processing system determines compatibility grades for thefirst and second fluid process systems based on this performance andspecification information and based on the received process informationfor fluid, flow rate, pressure, and temperature (204). The compatibilitygrades would indicate how close the performance and specificationinformation matches the process information for the given user inputsand selected fluid process system.

The processing system then directs the interface to transfer a thirdsignal, and the interface transfers the third signal (205). The thirdsignal indicates the performance and specification information and thecompatibility grades for the first fluid process system and the secondfluid process system. The performance and specification information mayalso indicate: sensor model number, transmitter model number, valvemodel number, actuator model number, a picture of the fluid processsystem, maximum pressure and temperature ratings, measurement accuracy,or some other metrics regarding fluid process system performance orspecification.

It should be noted that the performance and specification informationfor a system may differ from a combination of the performance andspecification information of the individual components. For example, alower performance sensor may reduce the accuracy of a higher performancetransmitter. The resulting system-level transmitter performance would belower than the performance listed for the transmitter component. Thus,performance and specification information for the system takes intoaccount the interaction between components, instead of merely combiningindividual component performance information together.

The third signal can be configured to direct a side-by-side display ofthe performance and specification information for the first fluidprocess system and second fluid process system. This type of displayprovides a convenient and effective performance comparison between thefirst fluid process system and second fluid process system. The thirdsignal may also be configured to direct a side-by-side display of theperformance and specification information and the received processinformation. This type of display provides a convenient and effectivecomparison between the first and second fluid process systems and thereceived process information for fluid, flow rate, pressure, andtemperature. FIG. 4 illustrates comparative display 400 of performanceand specification information, process information, and compatibilitygrades in an example of the invention.

Once the selected system or systems are presented to the user, theinterface may receive a fourth signal that indicates a user request toconfigure one of these systems, such as the first fluid process system.The processing system processes this user request to direct theinterface to transfer a fifth signal that indicates configurationparameter options for the first fluid process system, and the interfacetransfers the fifth signal (207). FIG. 5 illustrates display 500 ofconfiguration parameter options in an example of the invention. Theconfiguration parameter options may include industry approvals, processconnections, tag labels, measurement variables, units of measure for themeasurement variables, or some other design parameter for the selectedfluid process system. An example of an industry approval is anUnderwriter Laboratories (UL) approval.

In response to the configuration parameter options, the interfacereceives a sixth signal indicating configuration parameter selectionsfor the first fluid process system where the configuration parameterselections represent the configuration parameter options selected by theuser. The processing system processes the configuration parameterselections to determine if any are incompatible (207). If anyconfiguration parameter selections are incompatible, the processingsystem directs the interface to transfer a seventh signal that indicatesthe incompatible configuration parameter selections, and the interfacetransfers the seventh signal (208). The user may then resolve theincompatibility with alternative configuration parameter selections.

In addition to the above operations, the selection system may alsoprovide additional functionality. The selection system may providelog-in and user registration, information and document search tools,message centers and multi-user forums, order entry and shopping carts,warranty information and order status, request for quote capability,information for accessories and spare parts, and other informationrelated to the fluid process products and suppliers.

Selection System Operation—Example #2

FIG. 6 illustrates selection system operation in another example of theinvention, and the reference numbers from FIG. 6 are indicatedparenthetically below. The processing system directs the interface totransfer a first signal indicating user prompts, and the interfacetransfers the first signal. The user prompts may indicate a list offluid process components. The interface then receives a second signalthat indicates user inputs provided responsive to the user prompts(601). The user inputs indicate a selected first fluid processcomponent. The processing system then selects a fluid process system orsystems based on the first fluid process component (602). The selectedfluid process systems comprise at least a second fluid process componentand may comprise more than two fluid process components. The processingsystem then obtains performance and specification information for theselected fluid process systems (603). The processing system directs theinterface to transfer a second signal that indicates the performance andspecification information for the selected fluid process systems, andthe interface transfers the second signal (604).

Note that based on the first fluid process component, the selectionsystem may select a single fluid process system or multiple fluidprocess systems. The first fluid process component could be a sensor,transmitter, actuator, valve, or some other fluid process component. Theselected fluid process system could include various combinations ofthese fluid process components. To make these selections, the processingsystem would access a database and algorithm that correlates eachpotential first fluid process component with a fluid process system orsystems. These correlations could be user specific, so a specific usercould select a pre-determined system by selecting only one of the systemcomponents. Once the fluid process system or systems are selected, theselection system may provide comparative performance displays, systemconfiguration capability, component compatibility verification, andother functionality as described above for Example #1.

1. A selection system (100) to select fluid process systems, the selection system (100) comprising an interface (101,103) configured to transfer a first signal that indicates user prompts, receive a second signal that indicates user inputs provided responsive to the user prompts wherein the user inputs indicate fluid process information, and a processing system (102) configured to direct the interface (101,103) to transfer the first signal, the selection system (100) characterized by: the processing system (102) is configured to process the fluid process information to select a first one of the fluid process systems, obtain first performance and specification information for the first one of the fluid process systems, and direct the interface (101,103) to transfer a third signal; and the interface (101,103) is configured to transfer the third signal that indicates the first performance and specification information for the first one of the fluid process systems.
 2. The selection system (100) of claim 1 wherein the processing system (102) is configured to process the fluid process information to select a second one of the fluid process systems, and obtain second performance and specification information for the second one of the fluid process systems, and wherein the third signal also indicates the second performance and specification information for the second one of the fluid process systems.
 3. The selection system (100) of claim 2 wherein the third signal is configured to direct a side-by-side display of the first performance and specification information and the second performance and specification information to provide a performance comparison between the first one of the fluid process systems and the second one of the fluid process systems.
 4. The selection system (100) of claim 1 wherein: the interface (101, 103) is configured to receive a fourth signal that indicates a user request to configure the first one of the fluid process systems, transfer a fifth signal indicating configuration parameter options for the first one of the fluid process systems, and receive a sixth signal indicating configuration parameter selections for the first one of the fluid process systems; and the processing system (102) is configured process the user request to direct the interface (101, 103) to transfer the fifth signal.
 5. The selection system (100) of claim 4 wherein: the interface (101, 103) is configured to transfer a seventh signal indicating incompatible ones of the configuration parameter selections for the first one of the fluid measurement systems; and the processing system (102) is configured process the configuration parameter selections to determine the incompatible ones of the configuration parameter selections for the first one of the fluid measurement systems and direct the interface (101, 103) to transfer the seventh signal.
 6. The selection system (100) of claim 4 wherein the configuration parameter options include industry approvals and process connections.
 7. The selection system (100) of claim 4 wherein the configuration parameter options include tag labels, measurement variables, and units of measure for the measurement variables.
 8. The selection system (100) of claim 1 wherein the fluid process information indicates data for fluid, flow rate, pressure, and temperature.
 9. The selection system (100) of claim 8 wherein the third signal is configured to direct a side-by-side display of the first performance and specification information and the data for fluid, flow rate, pressure, and temperature to provide a comparison between the first one of the fluid process systems and the data for fluid, flow rate, pressure, and temperature.
 10. The selection system (100) of claim 8 wherein the processing system (102) is configured to determine a compatibility grade for the first one of the fluid process systems based on the data for fluid, flow rate, pressure, and temperature, and wherein the third signal also indicates the compatibility grade.
 11. The selection system (100) of claim 1 wherein the process information indicates process fluid, maximum flow rate, maximum process pressure, and maximum temperature.
 12. The selection system (100) of claim 1 wherein the process information indicates measurement variables, measurement accuracy, and communication protocol.
 13. The selection system (100) of claim 1 wherein the process information indicates a first fluid process component and the selected one of the fluid process systems includes the first fluid process component and at least a second fluid process component.
 14. The selection system (100) of claim 13 wherein the first fluid process component and the second fluid process component comprise a sensor and a transmitter.
 15. The selection system (100) of claim 13 wherein the first fluid process component and the second fluid process component comprises an actuator and a valve.
 16. The selection system (100) of claim 1 wherein the first performance and specification information indicates a sensor model number and a transmitter model number.
 17. The selection system (100) of claim 1 wherein the first performance and specification information indicates a valve model number and an actuator model number.
 18. The selection system (100) of claim 1 wherein the first performance and specification information indicates a picture of the first one of the fluid process systems.
 19. The selection system (100) of claim 1 wherein the interface (101, 103) comprises a web site Internet interface.
 20. The selection system (100) of claim 1 wherein the interface (101, 103) comprises a computer system user interface.
 21. A method of operating a selection system (100) to select fluid process systems, the method comprising transferring a first signal that indicates user prompts and receiving a second signal that indicates user inputs provided responsive to the user prompts wherein the user inputs indicate fluid process information, the method characterized by: processing the fluid process information to select a first one of the fluid process systems; obtaining the first performance and specification information for the first one of the fluid process systems; and transferring a third signal that indicates the first performance and specification information for the first one of the fluid process systems.
 22. The method of claim 21 further comprising: processing the fluid process information to select a second one of the fluid process systems; and obtaining second performance and specification information for the second one of the fluid process systems, and wherein the third signal also indicates the second performance and specification information for the second one of the fluid process systems.
 23. The method of claim 22 wherein the third signal is configured to direct a side-by-side display of the first performance and specification information and the second performance and specification information to provide a performance comparison between the first one of the fluid process systems and the second one of the fluid process systems.
 24. The method of claim 21 further comprising: receiving a fourth signal that indicates a user request to configure the first one of the fluid process systems; processing the user request and responsively transferring a fifth signal indicating configuration parameter options for the first one of the fluid process systems; and receiving a sixth signal indicating configuration parameter selections for the first one of the fluid process systems.
 25. The method of claim 24 further comprising: processing the configuration parameter selections to determine incompatible ones of the configuration parameter selections for the first one of the fluid measurement systems; and transferring a seventh signal indicating the incompatible ones of the configuration parameter selections for the first one of the fluid measurement systems.
 26. The method of claim 24 wherein the configuration parameter options include industry approvals and process connections.
 27. The method of claim 24 wherein the configuration parameter options include tag labels, measurement variables, and units of measure for the measurement variables.
 28. The method of claim 21 wherein the fluid process information indicates data for fluid, flow rate, pressure, and temperature.
 29. The method of claim 28 wherein the third signal is configured to direct a side-by-side display of the first performance and specification information and the data for fluid, flow rate, pressure, and temperature to provide a comparison between the first one of the fluid process systems and the data for fluid, flow rate, pressure, and temperature.
 30. The method of claim 28 wherein the processing system (102) is configured to determine a compatibility grade for the first one of the fluid process systems based on the data for fluid, flow rate, pressure, and temperature, and wherein the third signal also indicates the compatibility grade.
 31. The method of claim 21 wherein the process information indicates process fluid, maximum flow rate, maximum process pressure, and maximum temperature.
 32. The method of claim 21 wherein the process information indicates measurement variables, measurement accuracy, and communication protocol.
 33. The method of claim 21 wherein the process information indicates a first fluid process component and the selected one of the fluid process systems includes the first fluid process component and at least a second fluid process component.
 34. The method of claim 33 wherein the first fluid process component and the second fluid process component comprise a sensor and a transmitter.
 35. The method of claim 33 wherein the first fluid process component and the second fluid process component comprises an actuator and a valve.
 36. The method of claim 21 wherein the first performance and specification information indicates a sensor model number and a transmitter model number.
 37. The method of claim 21 wherein the first performance and specification information indicates a valve model number and an actuator model number.
 38. The method of claim 21 wherein the first performance and specification information indicates a picture of the first one of the fluid process systems.
 39. The method of claim 21 wherein the selection system (100) comprises an Internet web site.
 40. The method of claim 21 wherein the selection system (100) comprises a user computer system.
 41. A product for selecting fluid process systems, the product comprising software (105) and a storage system (104) that stores the software (105) wherein the software (105) is configured to direct a processing system (102) to direct an interface (101, 103) to transfer a first signal that indicates user prompts wherein the interface (101, 103) receives a second signal that indicates user inputs provided responsive to the user prompts wherein the user inputs indicate fluid process information, the product characterized by: the software (105) is configured to direct the processing system (102) to process the fluid process information to select a first one of the fluid process systems, obtain first performance and specification information for the first one of the fluid process systems, and direct the interface (101, 103) to transfer a third signal that indicates first performance and specification information for a first one of the fluid process systems.
 42. The product of claim 41 wherein the software (105) is configured to direct the processing system (102) to process the fluid process information to select a second one of the fluid process systems and obtain second performance and specification information for the second one of the fluid process systems, and wherein the third signal also indicates the second performance and specification information for the second one of the fluid process systems.
 43. The product of claim 42 wherein the third signal is configured to direct a side-by-side display of the first performance and specification information and the second performance and specification information to provide a performance comparison between the first one of the fluid process systems and the second one of the fluid process systems.
 44. The product of claim 41 wherein the interface (101, 103) receives a fourth signal that indicates a user request to configure the first one of the fluid process systems, the software (105) is configured to direct the processing system (102) to process the user request to direct the interface (101, 103) to transfer a fifth signal that indicates configuration parameter options for the first one of the fluid process systems, and the interface (101, 103) receives a sixth signal indicating configuration parameter selections for the first one of the fluid process systems.
 45. The product of claim 44 wherein the software (105) is configured to direct the processing system (102) to process the configuration parameter selections to determine incompatible ones of the configuration parameter selections for the first one of the fluid measurement systems and direct the interface (101, 103) to transfer a seventh signal that indicates the incompatible ones of the configuration parameter selections for the first one of the fluid measurement systems.
 46. The product of claim 44 wherein the configuration parameter options include industry approvals and process connections.
 47. The product of claim 44 wherein the configuration parameter options include tag labels, measurement variables, and units of measure for the measurement variables.
 48. The product of claim 41 wherein the fluid process information indicates data for fluid, flow rate, pressure, and temperature.
 49. The product of claim 48 wherein the third signal is configured to direct a side-by-side display of the first performance and specification information and the data for fluid, flow rate, pressure, and temperature to provide a comparison between the first one of the fluid process systems and the data for fluid, flow rate, pressure, and temperature.
 50. The product of claim 48 wherein the software (105) is configured to direct the processing system (102) to determine a compatibility grade for the first one of the fluid process systems based on the data for fluid, flow rate, pressure, and temperature, and wherein the third signal also indicates the compatibility grade.
 51. The product of claim 41 wherein the process information indicates process fluid, maximum flow rate, maximum process pressure, and maximum temperature.
 52. The product of claim 41 wherein the process information indicates measurement variables, measurement accuracy, and communication protocol.
 53. The product of claim 41 wherein the process information indicates a first fluid process component and the selected one of the fluid process systems includes the first fluid process component and at least a second fluid process component.
 54. The product of claim 53 wherein the first fluid process component and the second fluid process component comprise a sensor and a transmitter.
 55. The product of claim 53 wherein the first fluid process component and the second fluid process component comprises an actuator and a valve.
 56. The product of claim 41 wherein the first performance and specification information indicates a sensor model number and a transmitter model number.
 57. The product of claim 41 wherein the first performance and specification information indicates a valve model number and an actuator model number.
 58. The product of claim 41 wherein the first performance and specification information indicates a picture of the first one of the fluid process systems.
 59. The product of claim 41 wherein the interface (101, 103) comprises a web site Internet interface.
 60. The product of claim 41 wherein the interface (101, 103) comprises a computer system user interface. 